Corpus Christi Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

Valentine Cancino, 34, has pleaded guilty to production of child sexual abuse material (sexual exploitation of a child), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The investigation into Cancino began after authorities received multiple cyber-tips indicating child pornography had been uploaded onto the internet. Law enforcement identified Cancino as the source of the content.

On January 30, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Cancino’s Corpus Christi residence, where authorities seized two electronic devices. A Samsung Galaxy cell phone was found to contain a video recording of Cancino engaging in sexual activity with a minor relative.

Cancino faces up to 30 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos on June 4. He will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Corpus Christi Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.